The colloquial definition of insanity is 'doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome', and when it comes to government spending, that definition holds true. Repeatedly, governments -- run by both parties, since time immemorial -- throw good money after bad, hoping things will change if we just tax and spend a little bit more.
Increasing spending doesn't change outcomes. Not when the people in charge are so wholly irresponsible and spendthrift with the money they've already collected. California has the nation's highest income tax rate, currently 13.3% on earners making more than $1 million. Despite that, the state's 2024 budget was $223.61 billion while revenue was only $210.17 billion.
The state faces a total budget deficit of $68 billion.
The Golden State is deep in the red.
And that's on a good day. But for over a week now, the state's biggest city -- Los Angeles and the surrounding municipalities -- have been burning. Thanks to gross mismanagement and downright negligence from the California Democrats who run both L.A. and the state (where they enjoy a Sacramento supermajority).
Thousands of houses and businesses have burned and at least 24 people are dead. The cost of the damage will, undoubtedly, be in the billions.
In the week since the fire broke out, we've learned quite a bit about how terribly governed California actually is. Newsom has pointed the finger at everyone and anyone, and so has Karen Bass. The reality, however, cannot be denied. Both Newsom and Bass cut millions from firefighting budgets. Extra firefighting equipment was sent to Ukraine. Water wasn't stored in deference to the smelt or salmon. Brush clearing and basic forestry management was ignored in the name of 'environmentalism.'
Could the L.A. fires have been entirely prevented? Probably not. But they could have been significantly mitigated and made manageable if not for the feckless leadership of Democrats.
Don't worry, though. Joe Biden has vowed a blank check to California to help rebuild. The people of North Carolina, who are far less culpable for their situation than the people who kept voting inept Democrats into power in California, do not enjoy the same government largess.
And, sadly, the fires torched any Trump signs that might have been in L.A. yards, so FEMA won't know who to discriminate against to save a buck or two.
But maybe -- just maybe -- sanity is on the horizon. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has indicated some 'conditions' on the aid to California:
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson indicated he wouldn't support a bill that didn't include mandatory changes to wildfire management:
This is a good place to start, but it doesn't go far enough.
Yesterday, the California legislature voted to allocate $50 million to 'Trump-proof' the state, namely to protect illegal immigrants from being deported.
On the same day, illegal immigrant Jose Carranza-Escobar was charged with three counts of arson for starting a fire in a park. That fire was quickly extinguished. It makes zero sense for taxpayers like me, who will never live in California or a state prone to wildfires, to foot the bill for a state that will keep welcoming illegal immigrants who attempt to start catastrophic wildfires.
Therefore, any wildfire relief should be contingent on California complying with any and all federal immigration laws, in addition to changes to wildfire management and prevention and changes to how the state deals with homeowners insurance.
And, as always, the Democrats in California are setting the precedent for this:
They have no problems putting conditions on aid. Republicans should do the same.
Except there is ample evidence that Florida and Texas plan and prepare for natural disasters, and respond accordingly. There is also ample evidence California did not, and that such neglect is the intentional policy of state Democrats.
I don't care if it seems harsh. Harshness is required after such catastrophic failure.
Californians have a choice: comply or let the state figure out the mess. If they refuse, fine. California can clearly set aside billions for illegals, for Trump-proofing the state, and slew of other Leftist agenda items, then they can figure out how to pay for the cleanup and recovery on their own.
Make California sane again. Even if it hurts.
